Digital Etiquette

Definition

• The standards of conduct expected by other technology users

Essential Questions

• Are students aware of others when they use technology?
• Do students realize how their use of technology affects others?

Digital Etiquette Issues

• Using technology in ways that minimize the negative effects on others
• Using technology when it is contextually appropriate
• Respecting others online: not engaging in cyberbullying, flaming, inflammatory language, and so forth

Examples of Inappropriate Digital Etiquette

• Students use handheld computers to beam messages in class that are not class-related
• Students communicate in a chat room without checking the rules

Examples of Appropriate Digital Etiquette

• Students work with their teachers to understand what information can be shared from their handheld device and when it is appropriate to do so.
• When communicating in a chat room, users learn the rules of the group before becoming involved in the conversation.

Resources

• The 10 Commandments of Cell Phone Etiquette
• NSF - Ethics and Computing
• Phoneybusiness.com - Mobile Etiquette